Okyeman highlights Kuntunkununku's funeral rites

Kibi (Eastern region) 5th July '99

The body of the late Okyenhene, Osagyefo Kuntunkununku II, who went to the village in the early hours of Wednesday, March 17, 1999, would be laid in state for six days beginning from Monday, August nine at Ofori Panin Fie at Kibi.

Osabarima Kena Ampaw II, Acting President of Okyeman Traditional Council, who announced this at a Press briefing at Kibi, on Saturday said the funeral rites would be climaxed with a thanksgiving and memorial service on the seventh day at Essekeseeho, Kibi.

Osabarima Ampaw, who is also the Adontenhene and Chief of Kukurantumi, formally declared a state of mourning throughout the Akim Abuakwa Traditional Area, beginning from Monday, July five.

This meant that no other funeral rites would be performed in any part of the Akim Abuakwa Traditional Area from Monday July five to Friday August 20.

Osabarima Ampaw appealed to the people to be in mournful, sober, reflective, contemplative and prayerful mood during the period.

He said apart from the opening of a Book of Condolence, the Executive Council, made up of Ankobea, Apesemaka and Kyidom divisions, would sit in state daily to receive friends, who wish to express condolences to Okyeman.

The Adontenhene appealed to all Akims, both at home and abroad, to fully and actively co-operate with the Council to ensure a fitting and successful funeral for Osagyefo Kuntunkununku, former President of the National House of Chiefs and a Member of the Council of State.

Osabarima Dakwa Woe II, Okyeman Gyaasehene, who is traditionally the chief mourner, Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Gyaasehene of Akwapim and Mr Fred Ohene-Kena, Minister of Mines and Energy were present at the press briefing.

Others were Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Jones Ofori Atta, a Renowned Economist and some Parliamentarians from the region.

Soon after the function, Top Industries in Accra, manufacturers of plastic chairs, donated 200 chairs and a carton of schnapps all valued at 2.8 million cedis towards the funeral.